Windshields smashed by bricks in NJ

HILLSIDE (WABC) -- A warning is being issued for drivers in New Jersey Tuesday.

Police say someone is taking aim at cars with large bricks.

It has happened at least 18 times in the past few week along Route 22 in Hillside, Union County.

It is a new twist on an old and dangerous prank: Throwing rocks at unsuspecting drivers. In the past, the rocks would be tossed from an overpass. But in this case, detectives believe they are being thrown from an oncoming car and that broken pavers or bricks are being tossed.

There have been 11 vehicles hit and nine innocent passengers and drivers injured. Some required stitches. All the victims were driving east on Route 22. Authorities believe the culprit was driving westbound, and when the opportunity arose, the person would toss a heavy brick out the window, hoping to hit the oncoming car.

"If you have two cars traveling 50 miles an hour, that's 100 miles an hour coming through your windshield," Hillside Detective Lieutenant Matthew Ross said. "So we're asking the public to keep a lookout, and if they see anything suspicious, to give us a call. Because it's going to take all this help in order to catch whoever is doing this."

Police believe the objects are being tossed from the road because in one instance, the brick went through the front windshield and out the back. They say they have also found similar bricks littered along the westbound side of the highway.

Amazingly, no one has been killed. Police are hoping to make some arrests before anyone else is injured.

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STORY BY: Eyewitness News reporter Lucy Yang

WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King

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